Country Style Stuffed Peppers
Colorful stuffed peppers filled with savory sausage, rice, and melted cheese offer a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Remove tops, seeds, and membranes from peppers.
- Crumble sausage into a skillet; cook with chopped onion until browned.
- Drain excess fat from the sausage mixture.
- Stir in cooked rice, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, and chopped tomato.
- Fill each pepper with the sausage mixture and top with remaining cheese.
- Arrange the filled peppers in a 9-inch square baking pan; add 1/4 cup water.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using turkey sausage instead of pork sausage. You can also substitute quinoa for rice for added protein and fiber. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can speed up the process. Experiment with different types of cheese; mozzarella or pepper jack can add unique flavors. For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed peppers with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Tomato Corn Chowder for a cozy dinner. For an added crunch, consider a side of Creamy Bacon Salad. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Style Stuffed Peppers contains roughly 947 calories, with 42g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (84% of the Daily Value), calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1904mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes, stuffed peppers freeze well. Prepare them as directed but do not bake. Wrap each pepper in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of pork sausage?
You can use turkey sausage or chicken sausage as a leaner alternative. For a vegetarian option, substitute with plant-based sausage or beans like Branding Beans for protein. Adjust seasonings to enhance flavor, as some alternatives may be less seasoned than pork.
How do I know when the peppers are done baking?
The peppers are done when they are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly, usually after about 30 minutes in the oven. You can test their tenderness by piercing them with a fork. If it goes in easily, they're ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).